The US Department of Justice is aggressively pursuing businesses for COVID-19 Payroll Protection Program (PPP) fraud, and social media (as usual) has something to say about it. Countless small businesses applied for, and many received, loans under the PPP; now, some of these businesses are seeing their names on a PPP arrest warrant list circulating on social media. The list is everywhere, from TikTok to X, and users of the platforms are responding in all types of ways.

If your small business accepts PPP loans, you could face a fraud investigation or charges. At the LLF Law Firm, we understand your business's dire financial situation during COVID-19. We know that the application process was confusing, and time was of the essence for your business's survival. Whether you made an honest mistake in your application or weren't completely honest out of desperation, the LLF Criminal Defense Team can help. Contact us today at 888-535-3686 or through our online form.

Is the PPP Arrest Warrant List Real?

However, the real question users want answered is whether the list is real. No, it isn't, but that doesn't mean small businesses who got PPP loans are in the clear. DOJ doesn't release warrant lists and doesn't conduct enforcement via TikTok. If your business' name is on this social media list, don't panic just yet. While the arrest warrant list on social media might be fake, there is no doubt that the DOJ has its own internal list of businesses it's investigating for PPP fraud at this very moment.

Increased Department of Justice PPP Fraud Investigations

In 2021, the DOJ established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force (CFETF) to pursue potential COVID-19 relief program fraud cases. In 2023 and 2024, CFETF began vigorously investigating individuals for PPP and other COVID-19 relief program fraud, resulting in numerous arrests and charges.

In October 2023, ten individuals in Tennessee were charged with wire fraud for accepting over $950,000 in PPP and Economic Industry Disaster (EIDL) program funding. The individuals, on behalf of their legitimate and illegitimate businesses, had submitted loan applications containing false information regarding the number of employees, gross revenue, costs of goods sold, average payroll, and more.

One year later, the DOJ was still full steam ahead. In October 2024, a Philadelphia banker was sentenced to 65 months in prison for running a PPP loan fraud scheme. The former branch manager of a national bank recruited small businesses to submit PPP loan applications containing false information. He would accept the loans, disburse the money, and get a $5,000 kickback.

If You're Facing PPP Load Fraud Charges, Retain the LLF Law Firm Today

Unfortunately, small businesses that play an important role in our communities are targeted for PPP loan fraud investigations. If you are being investigated or have been charged with PPP loan fraud or other federal fraud crimes, contact the LLF Law Firm today. Our Criminal Defense Team has represented countless clients in federal court and is well-versed in COVID-19 relief program fraud issues. Call the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.